Mercedez-Benz C-230 after a Podium Cut Polish!
There are a lot of terms in the automotive detailing industry, sometimes resulting in confusion or disappointment as you didn't receive what you expected or were hoping for. Below is an explanation of the more advanced services Podium provides.
-What is a clay bar and how does it work?
A detailing clay bar is an engineered resin mixture that cleans paint below the surface. Some contaminants grip, even penetrate the clear coat deep enough that normal washing won't lift it. Detailing clay safely removes these contaminants from the paint and leaves your vehicle feeling slick and smooth. This is the stage-setting process before an advanced service such as polishing, sealing and waxing is carried out to ensure a uniform, clean shine is achieved.
-What is a cut polish?
Cut polishing restores a very noticeable show room shine to your vehicle by removing superficial scratches, sun fade, swirl marks and oxidation. The paint will look like new and will feel smooth to the touch. This is achieved by compounding a very thin layer (millimetres) of clear coat away, thereby removing surface imperfections and beautifying the panels. By implementing the proper amount of section passes, arm speed and specific combination of polishing product to polishing pads, Podium guarantees absolutely no swirl marks or hologramming, whatsoever. This is a fundamental (but not necessary) stage before sealing or waxing a vehicle as it will be the base for your sealant or wax.
-What is Sealant and how is it different from wax?
Sealant and glazing helps fill in surface of the clear coat, allowing for a very lustrous look to the paint. Unlike the natural composition that Carnauba wax has, sealants/glazes are made out of polymers with thousands of synthetic particles linked together that bond to the paint. This creates a "hard as glass", mirror like finish. A lot of car enthusiasts enjoy this process for it's durability and longevity as sealant/glazes typically last 2-4 months depending on the climate and driving conditions. This is typically preferred by those who enjoy a very set off finish to their vehicles. The depth of the reflection cannot be denied or go unnoticed!
*Sealant can be combined with wax but must be applied first*
*This stage does not involve any compounding or cutting*
-What is Wax and what are the benefits?
Harvested and refined from palm trees (Copernicia Prunifera), Carnauba wax repels water from the leaves so it drips off and is absorbed by the roots. Consequently, this does the same for your vehicle! Waxing creates a barrier between the clear coat and nature, thereby repelling water and most road contaminants you encounter in day to day driving. As opposed to the glass like finish that a sealant will achieve, Carnauba wax creates more of a warm glow to the finish. It also protects from UV rays, heat, moisture, and oxidation. A wax application will last approximately 6-8 weeks in the glorious yet unpredictable weather of the Lower Mainland. After the vehicle is dried, Carnauba Wax is applied one panel at a time via dual action polisher. This is a great way to get a beautiful, warm shine and a protective coat all in one service.
*This stage does not involve any compounding or cutting*
Bronze and Wax
$299.99
$349.99 for SUV's and Vans
Running Time 2.5 - 5 hrs
For those who want more out of the regular. Podium's Bronze and Wax wax comes with all the fundamentals of the Bronze Package, a full clay barring to properly prepare the paint and adds that special finish to your vehicle that will help protect and set off it's presentation with even more flair.
Silver and Wax
$399.99
$449.99 for SUV's and Vans
Running Time 3.5 - 6 hrs
For those who are looking for an extensive interior clean, and a layer of protective wax to finish. Podium's Silver and Wax comes with all the fundamentals of the Silver, a full clay barring to properly prepare the paint and adds that special finish to your vehicle that will help protect the clear coat and set off it's presentation with even more flair.
Machine Cut Polishing
$499.99
$599.99 for SUVs and Vans
Running Time 6-9 hrs
For those who are looking to bring their vehicles back to a show room finish. This specific service focuses on the exterior only and comes with an exterior wash, clay bar, cleaning and dressing of the wheels/tires, and full surface cut polish. This can be combined with the interior (refer to Podium Gold)
-What is a clay bar and how does it work?
A detailing clay bar is an engineered resin mixture that cleans paint below the surface. Some contaminants grip, even penetrate the clear coat deep enough that normal washing won't lift it. Detailing clay safely removes these contaminants from the paint and leaves your vehicle feeling slick and smooth. This is the stage-setting process before an advanced service such as polishing, sealing and waxing is carried out to ensure a uniform, clean shine is achieved.
-What is a cut polish?
Cut polishing restores a very noticeable show room shine to your vehicle by removing superficial scratches, sun fade, swirl marks and oxidation. The paint will look like new and will feel smooth to the touch. This is achieved by compounding a very thin layer (millimetres) of clear coat away, thereby removing surface imperfections and beautifying the panels. By implementing the proper amount of section passes, arm speed and specific combination of polishing product to polishing pads, Podium guarantees absolutely no swirl marks or hologramming, whatsoever. This is a fundamental (but not necessary) stage before sealing or waxing a vehicle as it will be the base for your sealant or wax.
-What is Sealant and how is it different from wax?
Sealant and glazing helps fill in surface of the clear coat, allowing for a very lustrous look to the paint. Unlike the natural composition that Carnauba wax has, sealants/glazes are made out of polymers with thousands of synthetic particles linked together that bond to the paint. This creates a "hard as glass", mirror like finish. A lot of car enthusiasts enjoy this process for it's durability and longevity as sealant/glazes typically last 2-4 months depending on the climate and driving conditions. This is typically preferred by those who enjoy a very set off finish to their vehicles. The depth of the reflection cannot be denied or go unnoticed!
*Sealant can be combined with wax but must be applied first*
*This stage does not involve any compounding or cutting*
-What is Wax and what are the benefits?
Harvested and refined from palm trees (Copernicia Prunifera), Carnauba wax repels water from the leaves so it drips off and is absorbed by the roots. Consequently, this does the same for your vehicle! Waxing creates a barrier between the clear coat and nature, thereby repelling water and most road contaminants you encounter in day to day driving. As opposed to the glass like finish that a sealant will achieve, Carnauba wax creates more of a warm glow to the finish. It also protects from UV rays, heat, moisture, and oxidation. A wax application will last approximately 6-8 weeks in the glorious yet unpredictable weather of the Lower Mainland. After the vehicle is dried, Carnauba Wax is applied one panel at a time via dual action polisher. This is a great way to get a beautiful, warm shine and a protective coat all in one service.
*This stage does not involve any compounding or cutting*
Bronze and Wax
$299.99
$349.99 for SUV's and Vans
Running Time 2.5 - 5 hrs
For those who want more out of the regular. Podium's Bronze and Wax wax comes with all the fundamentals of the Bronze Package, a full clay barring to properly prepare the paint and adds that special finish to your vehicle that will help protect and set off it's presentation with even more flair.
Silver and Wax
$399.99
$449.99 for SUV's and Vans
Running Time 3.5 - 6 hrs
For those who are looking for an extensive interior clean, and a layer of protective wax to finish. Podium's Silver and Wax comes with all the fundamentals of the Silver, a full clay barring to properly prepare the paint and adds that special finish to your vehicle that will help protect the clear coat and set off it's presentation with even more flair.
Machine Cut Polishing
$499.99
$599.99 for SUVs and Vans
Running Time 6-9 hrs
For those who are looking to bring their vehicles back to a show room finish. This specific service focuses on the exterior only and comes with an exterior wash, clay bar, cleaning and dressing of the wheels/tires, and full surface cut polish. This can be combined with the interior (refer to Podium Gold)